Summer is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor-inspired meals, even if you’re cooking indoors. The Ninja Foodi XL Pro Air Oven allows you to recreate that crispy, grilled flavor right on your countertop with its versatile cooking functions.
This guide will walk you through a simple recipe for summer-style roasted chicken that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside—perfect for a family dinner or a weekend barbecue vibe, all without firing up the grill.
Our top pick at a glance
Ninja Foodi XL Pro Air Oven
- ✔ Size: 12-inch capacity
- ✔ Power: 1800 Watts
- ✔ Color: Black
Preparing the Chicken for a Summery Roast
Start with fresh, high-quality chicken. For a true summer flair, consider using bone-in, skin-on thighs or a whole small chicken. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
Season generously with salt, pepper, and your favorite summer herbs like thyme, rosemary, or a hint of lemon zest. This step enhances flavor and gives your chicken that bright, summery taste.
Optional: Marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes to deepen the flavors before cooking.
Using the Ninja Foodi XL Pro for Perfect Summer Chicken
Set your Ninja Foodi XL Pro Air Oven to the ‘Air Roast’ function. Preheat for about 5 minutes—it’s fast thanks to its quick preheat feature.
Arrange the seasoned chicken on the oven’s wire rack or tray, ensuring good airflow around each piece for even cooking.
Cook at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 25-30 minutes for thighs or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For a whole small chicken, increase the time to about 50-60 minutes, turning once if needed.
Use the oven’s large capacity to cook multiple pieces at once, perfect for summer family dinners or entertaining friends.
Finishing Touches and Serving Tips
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Meanwhile, prepare fresh summer sides like a crisp salad, grilled vegetables, or corn on the cob.
Optionally, broil for 2-3 minutes on the ‘Broil’ setting to enhance crispy skin. Serve with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for an extra burst of summer flavor.
The Ninja Foodi XL Pro’s even heat and crispy results make every bite reminiscent of summer grilling, indoors or out.
More Details on Our Top Picks
Ninja Foodi XL Pro Air Oven
The Ninja Foodi XL Pro Air Oven combines powerful convection with multiple functions, making summer meal prep quick and flavorful. Its large capacity and easy-to-use controls help you create crispy, juicy chicken perfect for any summer gathering.
Pros:
- Fast preheat and cooking times
- Large capacity for family meals
- Multiple cooking functions in one appliance
- Crispier, more even results than traditional ovens
Cons:
- Bulky size requires ample counter space
- Complex controls may have a learning curve
- Higher price point compared to basic toaster ovens
Best for: Families or home cooks looking to make summer-inspired roasts quickly and easily
Not ideal for: Those with limited counter space or seeking a simple, budget-friendly toaster oven
Bottom line: A versatile countertop oven perfect for quick, crispy summer meals.
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